Maternity services could be saved in Maidstone if the Conservatives win the next general election.

Campaigners' hopes were raised after shadow health minister Anne Milton was shown some of the thousands of petition signatures and documents collected by MASH (Maidstone Action for Services in Hospital).

Hospital bosses want to concentrate full maternity services at the new Pembury Hospital when it opens next year. It will leave a birthing unit, staffed only by midwives, in Maidstone.

Mrs Milton, 54, who has four children, said: "I gather that there is huge concern locally about the restructuring of maternity services in Maidstone, which is based on a consultation that is six years old.

"If we want to offer real choice to women we need to have a range of services available. I hope that these plans are looked at again with current, up to date information."

"We need to give women real choice, and consequently we need to offer a range of services in a range of locations to meet their needs. Any maternity unit that is proven to produce good outcomes and popular with mothers should be congratulated not penalised."

The meeting with Mrs Milton was arranged by Helen Grant, (Con), prospective parliamentary candidate for Maidstone and the Weald.

It comes just a few weeks after a delegation handed over petitions and letters to Downing Street.

Those who want to hear how the maternity campaign is progressing are urged to attend the annual general meeting of the MASH campaign group.

It takes place at 7pm at the United Reformed Church, Week Street, Maidstone, on Thursday, February 18.